Australian citrus dodges heat damage

In contrasts to much of Australia’s horticulture, citrus growers have reported the heatwaves that hit much of southern Australia over the last fortnight have done little damage to the crop.

The heatwave was the worst in Victoria for 70 years. In the Mallee region 12 consecutive days were over 40C, hitting 46C last Saturday, according to the ABC.

Chairman of peak body Citrus Australia and Sunraysia grower Kevin Cook said despite some sunburn on fruit, the damage was much less than expected.

“We didn”t slash any grass that we had, we kept all that nice and green in the middles of the rows in the citrus part,” he said.

“I think that contributed to stopping what we call radiant heat, off the bare earth coming back up to the trees and the vines.”